Before moving to Aberfeldy, the Robertson family, originally from Glasgow, had been living the last few years in Banff, after moving north ‘for the lifestyle change’. Claire was a team-leader at Tesco and Terry was back in full time education studying for a degree in Environment Heritage.
Each have done a range of different kinds of jobs over the years, especially working with the public which they both enjoy, and they decided to get into the licensed trade and seek a pub that would fit the bill. The chance came up to take on the Black Watch in Aberfeldy and, after numerous visits to the town, the family moved in ‘above the shop’. Three of their four sons are with them, Greg who works behind the bar and Liam and Callum who are both at Breadalbane Academy.
Claire told Comment “Jan Tomasik was managing the pub for Belhaven Brewery and the hand-over couldn’t have gone any smoother. Jan and the girls did all they could to make us feel welcome.” The family has been really delighted by the welcome received from the locals. Terry said: “Everyone has been so positive and friendly, we are really settling in well.”
They are presently unable to serve food as the floor boards have been lifted in the kitchen and dining area for the plumber to sort out a problem with the pipes. However, they are keenly looking forward to developing a menu for families seeking good quality home cooking using fresh, local produce.
This venture is a real family affair and they are keen to stress that, whilst they are anticipating the busy tourist season in Highland Perthshire, they want the locals to think of the Black Watch as their pub, and they are looking forward to getting to know all their regulars.